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Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge

Target Rock is an 80-acre refuge on the Lloyd Neck Peninsula of Long Island’s north shore. The refuge, consists of mature oak-hickory forest and rocky beach, which supports a variety of songbirds (particularly warblers in the spring), mammals, shorebirds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. During the winter months, diving ducks are common offshore, while harbor seals use the beach and nearby rocks as resting sites. Spring bloom at Target Rock is reminiscent of its days as a formal garden with flowering rhododendrons, azaleas and mountain laurel.

Management

With its coastal location, Target Rock provides excellent habitat for migratory birds. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service manages the refuge to protect this special area for migratory songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and other wildlife. From April 1st through August 31st, a portion of the beach at Target Rock is closed to the public in order to provide undisturbed nesting and feeding habitat for bank swallows and shorebirds like the federally threatened piping plover.

Visiting the Refuge

The nature trail at Target Rock winds through hardwood forest, past seasonal ponds and along the shore of Huntington Bay. You can enjoy wildlife-dependent activities such as photography, wildlife observation, environmental education, nature interpretation, and fishing. State regulations apply when you fish. An information kiosk and public restrooms are provided for your convenience.

Legend has it that the British Navy used this 14-foot rock for target practice during the war in 1812! Credit: USFWS

An entrance fee is charged, which helps to protect wildlife habitat, and maintain refuge trails and facilities. For groups over 12, you can request an entrance fee waiver (pdf - 71KB) by filling out a fee  waiver form and returning to Todd Weston.

Entrance Fee Schedule

Vehicle - $4.00
Pedestrian/bicycle - $2.00
Annual Refuge Pass (valid 12 months from the month of purchase) - $12.00
Duck Stamp (valid July 1 to June 30) - $15.00

Please send annual pass and duck stamp requests to:

Long Island NWR Complex
340 Smith Road
Shirley, NY 11967

Directions

From the Long Island Expressway (I-495), take Rte. 110N to Huntington. Left/West on Rte. 25A (Main St.). Right/North onto West Neck Rd. to Lloyd Harbor Rd. Straight onto Target Rock Rd. Entrance is on the Right. Refuge hours are ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. An entrance fee is charged.  Please call the refuge office at 631-286-0485 for more details.